#even the stuff she says about Alicent - correct

[backjustforberena]

Rhaenys Targaryen being perceptive as HECK:

Devotion has never sat well with him. Where he goes, he wishes to be his own master. [...] Not as such (will he challenge her). But neither can he allow her to command him.

"Neither can he allow her to command him." - We never see Rhaenyra actually order Daemon's flight to Harrenhal. Not directly. It was his choice to go when he did, it was his plan to being with, at the start of the whole thing - to create a toehold in the Riverlands. It was Daemon's instincts and feelings. He follows his own path.

Again, Jaehaerys's murder was done without Rhaenyra's sanction, he chafed against staying on Dragonstone whilst she searched for Luke's remains, and he took charge of the war council and drew his sword against Otto without waiting for her leave to escalate. He addresses Otto's terms before she does. Whilst he shows loyalty and believes his motives to be selfless and his allegiance as true, it's not true deference. He seeks power/independence where he can.

Devotion and love don't sit well with him, though he has great capacity for it - we see him struggle with those feelings and the warring sides of his nature during Harrnehal: his brother, his niece, his second wife. His ignorance of his daughters. There is a corruption to his love. An acidity.

"Where he goes, he wishes to be his own master" = he goes to Harrenhal, and wishes to be his own master, and even King.

He doesn't not challenge her "as such" = he never raises banners against her, never pushes for his own claim other than in private conversations. Still, his behaviour causes Rhaenyra to have doubts in herself as Queen and others to have doubts in her as well.

It absolutely challenges outside perceptions of her rule - his lack of communication creates fractures in her council, leading, amongst other things, Alfred to question her suitability. It also makes her strategy wayward as they cannot be sure of ground support for any campaign. She's doing things she shouldn't have to do because of his behaviour.

His behaviour also challenges her because the things that he does impacts how her cause is received. Her name is cursed in King's Landing because of what he enacted, leading to the death of Jaehaerys. They blame her for what he did in her name.

Otto Hightower would never have allowed this. Hotter blood has prevailed, I think. The young men have taken the bit in their teeth. They wish to punish, to avenge. Soon they will not even remember what it was that began the war in the first place.

Otto Hightower did, indeed, not allow or know anything about sending Arryk to assassinate Rhaenyra, leading to the death of both twins. In fact, Otto was appalled by the scheme.

It was, as Rhaenys surmises done on the orders of the "young men" (Aegon, and the less young Cole) - as punishment and revenge for the death of Jaehaerys.

Aegon has "declared" war following the death of his son and has seized on offence. He did this whilst his blood ran hot: a scene where he is smashing up Viserys's model.

We teeter now at the point where none of it will matter. And the desire to kill and burn takes hold and reason is forgotten.

The deaths of the children (Luke & Jaehaerys) in the scene with Alicent and Rhaenyra, ultimately don't affect the idea of peace or war. Alicent does not change her behaviour due to the loss of a grandson, and Rhaenyra does not for the loss of her son, either to make war or peace more or less likely. The road is already set. They reach a point where it doesn't matter.

Rook's Rest represents a point of no return. They pass the point.

Rhaenys sees "the desire to kill and burn" take hold over reason in close quarters - she sees Aemond burn his own brother. That is the kind of savagery: the unforgivable. The bloody war between dragons and the hateful act of kin against kin. It's chaos.

Rhaenyra’s council is wayward. She has a hard task. I must hope she will rise to it, but I fear she’ll need you by her side sooner than late.

After Rhaenys dies, Rhaenyra has one council session, where each of the men around her have individual ideas - they argue amongst each other but none of them have no true plan to offer her. There is no progress.

Nor does she rise to command them: they continue to ignore her, shoot her down, not work with her, leaving her isolated. As Rhaenys fears, she needs Corlys. Rhaenyra soon offers Corlys the role of Hand.

[lowkeyerror]

Ours Together

Agatha Harkness x Reader x Rio Vidal

Word count: 3.6k

Notes: Spoilers for Agatha All Along (entire series), Angsty, hurt/comfort (ig), Happy ending, Familiar!Reader, Familiar lore for this: They are weakened when away from the witch they are connected with, being with the witch amplifies powers, think of the familiar here as some mythical creature close to a witch but not exactly

Summary: When Agatha and coven summon a Green Witch to the road, they're surprised to be met with 2 people instead of 1. You yourself we're surprised and disappointed to be trapped with Rio and Agatha

An: Another one so soon... they're on my mind

Masterlist | Part 2 | Part 3

“Uh who is that?”

The coven was so distracted by Agatha’s reaction to Rio, that no one saw you struggling to climb out of the ground behind her.

“I’m Y/n, and I could use some assistance,” you say stretching out your hand.

Teen and Alice are the one’s that eventually help you out of the ground.

“I though we only summoned one witch,” Jen eyes you skeptically.

“I'm sorry what?”

You take in your surroundings frowning at the darkness. Your frown grows even larger when you spot Rio and Agatha.

“We're on the witch's road and-”

Your eyebrows shoot up in surprise, “Beg pardon?”

“The witch’s road it’s-”

You shake your head, “Not real.”

“Then explain this sweetheart?” Agatha speaks and you glare at her.

“You of all people know that the road is a scam,” your jaw clenches as you speak to her.

“You’re more feisty than I remember, pet,” her voice keeps a teasing aura around it.

“Don’t call me that,” you snap at her, voice echoing, with your eyes being absorbed black.

The outburst makes everyone except Rio and Agatha jump back.

“Now, now ladies play nice,” Rio interjects.

“Send me home, now,” you speak to her.

Rio tilts her head, “I think I to want to stay awhile, just to see how things turn out.”

You groan and move to walk in the back of the pack. Agatha refocuses the group and they continue to move forward.

You watch as Rio attempts to rile up Agatha. You see the woman in purple stiffen a few times, throwing her hands around wildly. It makes you want to laugh, centuries pass, but her mannerisms stay easy to read.

Once Rio has had enough of Agatha she trails to the end of group by your side.

“Long time no see hot stuff,” she tries.

“Not long enough,” you shoot back at her.

Rio pouts, “I thought you came along to be reunited.”

“You know I have to go with you if you're summoned liked that,” you mumble mostly to yourself.

“Oh that's right, because we’re fated for each other,” Rio says dreamily.

“Because I'm your familiar,” you correct her.

She shrugs, “Same thing.”

You redirect the conversation, “Why haven't we left yet? You know as well as I do that this is not real.”

Her eyes shift to the ground, “You haven't missed her? Even a little?”

You inhale sharply, “Of course I have, but I respect her wanting nothing to do with us. Rio, we can never undo what we did to her.”

“It wasn't our fault,” her fist clench at her sides.

You guard drops for a moment. Your hand finds it’s way into her grip.

“I know,” you speak solemnly.

“Sometimes I wish-”

You squeeze her hand, “Don’t you dare. I loved him, you loved him, and she loved him.”

“I don’t understand why she let’s people think those things about her.”

“If there’s one thing Agatha still cares about, it’s her image. That’s one of the few marks on her life where she’s soft and no one can know that,” you whisper.

You feel Rio's eyes lingering on you, “I’ve missed you.”

“I don't want to do this here,” you refuse to look at her.

“Well this is the only chance I’ve gotten with either of you in a long time. I don’t want to waste it,” Rio shifts her gaze ahead of her.

“And who’s fault is that Rio?”

You attempt to take your hand out of her's, but she doesn't let you. You let out an irritated sigh.

“With you, it’s my fault. I’m sorry I pushed you away.”

You didn't think you'd ever hear Death apologize. It was unexpected and you didn't know how to respond. You wanted to forgive her, but was this all she had to do to regain your trust?

“Did you know it hurts physically to keep my distance from you? As your familiar I’m supposed to stay relatively close to you. When I’m not it’s like my body is burning inside. I had to get used to that feeling after you kicked me out of your life. This is the first time in over 2 centuries that I'm not in pain.”

“I thought you would’ve come back,” she says it with more sorrow than sarcasm.

“Why would I, when it felt like you didn't want me?”

Your eyes lock on Agatha’s figure, “I wasn’t enough for you, either of you.”

Rio stops walking, “You were enough. You are enough. I became obsessed with finding Agatha and it sent me down a darker path than I realized. I wanted to find her so desperately that I let it affect things between us.”

You finally meet her eyes, “I loved her too. I feel like you always forgot, that my heart beats for her. That I belong to her just like I belong to you. I was already hurting then and then you-”

“Let’s move it losers the next trial is waiting,” Agatha says from the entrance of a house, that was not there before.

You finally free your hand from Rio's, “Forget it.”

You walk faster hoping to avoid anymore of this conversation. You go through the door and when you do it’s like you're in the 70’s.

The rest of the coven finds a mirror to check out their wardrobe. Teen points out a potential way to trigger the task and then they disperse. Leaving only you, Agatha, and Rio.

“Well don’t you look good enough to eat, sweetheart,” Agatha comes up behind you.

You turn getting ready to say something snarky, but your eyes are immediately drawn to the low cut of her shirt. The exposed skin looking better than you had remembered it. You begin to wonder if it still felt soft too.

“Boo,” Rio pops up behind Agatha.

You notice that Rio’s shirt also has a deep v cut. It makes you chuckle a bit.

“What’s so funny?” Agatha says, clearly annoyed by Rio’s presence.

“I just think it’s funny the road gave you matching deep V’s.”

Rio chimes in, “It’s because we go together. Don’t we, Agatha?”

“No,” Agatha walks away after that.

You see Rio briefly deflate and you place a hand on her shoulder, “You’ll get her champ.”

“And you?” She looks at you in only the way that she can. Doe eyes, warmth & sorrow mixed together, pleading for the best outcome.

“I’m your familiar, Rio. Eventually it’s in my best interest to come back to you,” you reply and try to walk off.

“You are my love, Y/n. More than you’re my familiar,” her words stop you.

“Good to know,” is all you can manage to say before walking off.

You look around a bit, wondering exactly how this was all possible. You knew that road wasn't real, so where were you? What was this, and how did Agatha manage to get others to do this with her?

You notice after awhile Agatha and Rio are missing. Against your better judgment you look for them. You find them in what looks like a producer’s area. They’re stood next to each other talking about the glory days.

You don’t interfere until you see Agatha’s hand slide across the intercom. Before Rio can fall into Agatha’s poorly executed trap, you clear your throat interrupting the conversation.

You walk over cautiously, and fit yourself in-between the pair, effectively moving Agatha away from the intercom.

“Planning a character assassination so soon, Agatha? What’s the rush?”

Rio’s eyes land on the intercom and she laughs, “Clever as the day we met.”

“I see you’re taking her side again,” Agatha says pointedly.

“I never took sides and you know that,” you fire back at her.

Agatha scoffs, “Well you came out of the dirt together so…”

“You know how the summoning work Agatha, don’t play dumb,” you counter.

Agatha throws her hands up in exasperation, “So what, I’m supposed to believe that you two haven’t been living it up together this whole time.”

“Why do you think I was alone when I came to see Agnes?” Rio interjects.

Agatha stumbled for a moment, “Because it would’ve been weird to have another person with you in my show.”

“I haven’t seen Rio in close to 300 years,” you admit.

“ Boo hoo poor baby. That doesn’t have anything to do with me,” Agatha mocks you.

Your voice takes on an echo again, “IT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH YOU! YOU LEFT ME!”

Your argument is interrupted by some loud distorted sound. It makes you cover your ears and close your eyes. You gather around Teen who played the record as a clue. The room begins to spin backwards like the record and the sound intensifies.

Agatha smashes the record player on the ground which immediately stops the song.

Lilia speaks up, “We’ve been cursed.”

Its only a matter of seconds before she screeches and hits the floor.

You see this and start muttering under your breath. Alice springs into action taking Rio’s knife and carving a circle around Lilia.

You keep chanting to yourself. Everyone but Agatha and Rio were concerned around Lilia.

“What are you doing?” Agatha questions, but you just keep chanting.

Your fingertips glow dully as you touch them to your shoulders.

“I am protecting myself,” you say once you’re finished.

Jen gets hit next and once again Alice draws a circle around her. Teen also gets attacked, being flung through the glass mirror. Alice reveals that the curse is hers after that. It’s generational, meaning that it is harder to expel than most.

“We have to sing the ballad,” Agatha says.

She goes back and forth with Alice before they come to an agreement. Everyone picks up and instrument except you. You sit as an audience member.

“What, you’re too cool to play?” Jen asks.

“You don’t need me to play, so I’m not playing,” you shoot back.

Teen tries to encourage you, “The more people we have, the easier this might be.”

Your eyes are engulfed by black once more and your voice echoes dangerously , “I’m not playing that song.”

Agatha can’t help but look at Rio in that moment. The pair are the only ones who know why you aren’t interested in singing the song.

“Let’s just start,” Agatha begins singing before anymore arguments could be made.

You hate what has become of the song. Nicky’s sweet song, was now the witch killer’s anthem. You felt like it was disgraceful. It hurt you even more when Agatha did nothing to stop the song from becoming some rock anthem. Finding out that Lorna used it to protect her own daughter softened the blow a little bit, but not entirely.

Watching them preform you notice Teen wincing while holding the guitar. Your eyes scan his body looking for indicators of injury. It’s not highly noticeable, but you spot blood seeping through his side.

Against your own beliefs you stand and begin to walk over to him. You sing the tune lowly under your breath, before taking the guitar from him.

You can see he wants to argue but you nod your head towards the seating area. Your eyes drop to his side to let him know, that you know that he’s hurt.

He looks annoyed, but takes a seat anyway opting to just sing the ballad instead.

Your eyes lock with Rio’s and you glance towards the kid. She shakes her head slightly and you focus on playing the song.

Once Alice defeats her curse, Teen is laid across the sitting area. His breathes are shallow. Agatha is the first to rush over to him.

“He’s bleeding we got to get him out of here.”

You all take him back to the road and lay him across a large stone. You sit back with Rio watching the group panic. The most panic being evident in Agatha.

She turns to Rio, “Don’t.”

The woman beside you makes no gesture. Agatha starts pleading with Jen to fix it.

“She needs water and moonlight,” you speak up.

It seems to give the potions witch an idea. Alice gathers the water and Jen starts chanting in the moonlight. She pours the water over Teen’s injury and it starts to close up.

Agatha’s gaze falls upon you and Rio once more. Before she goes to help move Teen.

“You’re here for him, why?” You ask the woman beside you.

“That’s not his body. I can’t just-”

You shake your head, “You can. So why don’t you want to?”

“Once is already pushing the limit, but to let him get away with it twice. It’s not fair, it’s unbalanced,” Rio argues.

“What is 2 souls to the hundreds of thousands that perish daily? You have William and you will have the other. You and I both know that you don’t need the body to reap the soul.”

She sits quietly, no reply on her tongue.

“I think you’re here because Agatha is here,” you say.

She glares at you and speaks through gritted teeth, “Does it not bother you that she walks down this road with another woman’s son pretending that he’s ours? She knows he’s not.”

You look at the ground.

“I know you hate it, just like you hate what they did to his song,” Rio pushes further.

“Grief is different for everyone. Agatha is still grieving and I don't think she’ll ever stop. I can’t blame her, I grieve him every day. I know you do too,” you speak softly, getting up from your spot.

You leave her with those words. Maybe you shouldn’t seek her out, but you look for Agatha.

You come across the camp set up before you find Agatha.

“Do you have any scars Y/n?” Lilia is the one to ask.

You take a seat around the fire.

“A bunch, physical and emotional,” you lift your shirt.

There's a long scar that goes diagonally across your stomach. Your finger caresses it gently.

“Jesus Christ,” Alice says.

“It’s fairly new,” you keep your eyes on the scar.

“What happened?” Lilia speaks gently.

It’s then that Agatha and Rio join the circle. They sit on either side of you, both looking at the scar.

“Got captured by some witches. They tried to kill me, harvest my organs, etc.”

“How did you get captured?” Agatha asks, not really believing your story.

Your leg starts to bounce a little, “Well, I wasn’t with anyone else and I hadn’t been around… the people I need for my power to be at my strongest. So I was weak in that sense.”

“How did you escape?” Jen asks.

You shook your head, “I got lucky. They got bored eventually because I um- I can’t really die. They ‘left me for dead’ so to speak, but Death never came for me.”

“You’re immortal?” Alice deadpans.

“No one is immortal, I’m just really hard to kill. I have an intense healing factor,” you admit.

“Then why the scars?”

You keep your gaze low, “Because I didn't have my full power. I had enough to close and heal the wound, but the longer I was there the harder it was to make them pretty.”

You hate the silence that follows.

You hear Agatha roll up her sleeve. She gives a one liner about some coven that she wiped out. It’s funny and everyone laughs. You can see it takes her by surprise and it puts a small smile on your face.

“I have scar,” Rio starts.

“No you don't,” you and Agatha say at the same time.

“Yes, I do,” Rio goes on to describe the most fragile parts of your relationship .

She’s vague but you can hear the hurt in her voice. She finishes the story, but doesn’t look at Agatha.

Agatha storms off first, Rio trailing behind her, and you hesitate but ultimately end up following Rio.

Agatha stands with her back towards the both of you. Rio chooses to stay behind her while you walk around to face her.

Agatha’s head lulls back onto Rio’s shoulder. One of her hands snakes it’s way under your shirt, running the path of the scar. You keep close to her, but don’t move.

She puckers her lips as if to kiss Rio. You can see the fight inside of the original green witch. She wants this so badly, but she must push.

You do it for her. Your hands gently grab Agatha’s face pulling her towards you. You close your eyes as your forehead rests against hers.

“My love, Teen is not-”

“I know,” she whispers, and she starts to pull away.

“Please,” you hold her in place. “Please, let me have you close for a second. Both of you.”

It had been centuries since the three of you were this close. The raging fire inside of you finally resting after all this time. The relief that spread through your body was like a cooling agent.

Rio and Agatha both take notice for the first time, realizing how tense you had been since your appearance on the road.

“How long did they keep you?”

“Some years,” you answer quietly.

Agatha whips around to stare at Rio, “Where were you?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Rio redirects the blame.

“I left her with you so -”

“SHE WASN’T SOMETHING TO BE LEFT!” Rio let’s out an outburst. She takes a deep breath before continuing, “She is our familiar. Not mine, not yours, but ours together Agatha. It hurts her to be apart from either of us.”

“What did you want me to do? Forget what you did to my son?”

“OUR SON,” Rio’s voice booms louder than you ever heard it before. You swear the entire road shakes with the reverb.

You move forward to put a hand on Rio’s shoulder. You can feel her shaking with emotion. At first you think it’s anger, but then you see her tears fall.

“He was our son too Agatha. I didn’t want you to forgive me, I’ve never forgiven myself. I wanted you to mourn with me, with Y/n. I wanted us to have each other because we needed it.,” It’s defeated when Rio says it.

“I did mourn,” Agatha argues back.

“No, you didn’t,” you interrupt them, but your eyes were far away.

“How would you know you weren't there?” Agatha retaliates.

You sigh, “You act like I didn't want to be there. Like I was the one running and hiding. I know you haven't mourned because we wouldn’t be here if you had. We all know that this is not real. You’re singing his song… walking this road with this boy that you want to be him.”

“You can't deny my grief.”

“He asked you not to. You promised him, Aggie. It was his last promise.” Your voice cracks as your tears begin to form. “And you didn’t just break it, you took his song. Our song… and you used it to do the one thing he begged you not to.”

By this point you were choking on your sobs. The sight of you broke Agatha’s heart.

“I was grieving, I was angry, and I was alone!”

You fight her again, “You didn't have to be alone!”

“Well we can't go back and fix that, now can we?”

You groan, “No, but we can move forward if you just stop running.”

Rio stops the argument, “Enough! Y/n, she doesn’t care about us. The only person she cares about is herself.”

Agatha lets her anger out, shoving the green witch, “That’s bullshit.”

Rio shoves her back, “Is it now?”

Agatha spears Rio to the ground, “You know that I love both of you. That I care for you more than I’ve cared about anything other than my- our son.”

Rio flips their position so that she’s on top of Agatha, “Then why are we fighting?”

Agatha’s chest heaves up and down; Rio’s moves nearly the same. Agatha's hand reaches up to caress Rio’s face. At that same moment Rio leans in.

They kiss. You gasp , not at all expecting things to turn so quickly. A smile of relief coats your face as you watch them. You feel a pleasant warmth spreading across your chest.

“I love you,” Agatha says against Rio’s lips.

Rio smiles, “I love you too.”

“Finally,” you say exasperatedly, causing them both to laugh.

“Are you just going to stand there and watch like a weirdo or are you going to come over, pet?” Agatha says.

You roll your eyes, but continue to make your way over to them, “You know I hate it when you call me that.”

When you’re close enough Rio pulls you into her quickly stealing a kiss from you. You blush at her brash affection. You try to hide your face in her neck, but Agatha’s finger hooks under your chin.

“What do you suppose I call you then?”

You lean into her grasp, “Yours.”

Her lips graze yours as she speaks, “Mine.”

Your lips meet hers fiercely. She pulls you from Rio's lap fully onto hers. Instead of sliding up your shirt like before her hands travel lower. The feel on her fingers causes you to moan lowly, the sound echoing as your eyes filled with black.

“Not here, not yet,” you feel Rio’s breath tickling your neck.

You whine, “Centuries apart and still teasing.”

Agatha let out a hearty laugh, “Let’s get back to the others.”

Agatha and Rio are up first, helping you to your feet. You walk between them, feeling whole for the first time in a long time. Rio’s hand is in yours, while Agatha runs her fingers through your hair.

You still had things to work out amongst each other. One talk or a kiss cannot fix everything you’ve all been through. Yet talking and kisses amongst the three of you are known to be promises. Promises of a better future united together.

[ladysharmaa]

Wild Hearts

Jasper Hale x original character

Summary: When a new girl arrives at Forks, she seems to catch Jasper Hale's attention. However, he and his family are hiding a secret. What they don't know is that Evelyn has a secret of her own

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8

Jasper, Lucas, and Emmett made their way downstairs, already discussing their hunting plans. Jasper adjusted the sleeves of his shirt, while Lucas listened to Emmett's enthusiastic rant about tracking down the biggest bear he could find.

“I’m just saying,” Emmett smirked, “last time, I got the real prize. You two were just chasing dears.”

Jasper rolled his eyes. “You mean the one you wrestled for twenty minutes just to show off?”

Lucas laughed. “Sounds about right.”

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, however, they came to an abrupt halt. Seated in the living room, sprawled across the couch and floor, were Alice, Rosalie, and Evelyn. Each had a thick, charcoal black colored face mask smeared across their porcelain skin.

“What the…” Emmett called, clearly trying not to laugh. “What is this?”

“A self-care night,” Rosalie hummed, crossing one leg over the other. Her blonde hair was tied in a perfect bun. “Not everything has to be about hunting and wrestling bears, you know.”

Lucas cocked his head at Alice, amused. “You do realize you’re a vampire, right? Your skin is already flawless. And very beautiful.”

Alice huffed, waving a hand dismissively. “That’s not the point! It’s about the experience.”

Evelyn pouted dramatically, looking at Jasper. “And you are leaving us. Without even a goodbye kiss.”

Jasper chuckled, stepping forward. “I would, darlin’, but I’d rather not get a mouthful of… whatever that is.”

“It’s a charcoal detox mask." she huffed. "I won’t forget this act of betrayal.”

Meanwhile, Emmett threw his hands up, as Rosalie said exactly the opposite of the demigod. “Oh, come on, babe. What kind of husband would I be if I didn’t kiss you goodbye?”

“The kind that doesn’t want a face full of exfoliant.”

Lucas leaned against the wall, grinning. “So you tell me you’ll be offended if I don’t kiss you, but you’ll also be offended if I get face mask all over me?”

"That's correct!" Alice smiled sweetly, supporting her sisters.

The three men exchanged looks, clearly confused. Jasper's eyes sparkled with amusement, Evelyn was completely at ease with his family and nothing could make him happier. She no longer showed her shy side, only when she received a lot of attention and of course, whenever the vampire complimented her. He loved the light pink that spread across her cheeks.

Just then, the front door opened, and Esme and Carlisle stepped inside.

“Oh!” Esme clasped her hands together, delighted. “A spa night?”

“Finally, someone who gets it.” Rosalie smirked, also showing off her freshly painted nails. The deep red made Emmett groan, who got odd looks from the other boys.

Carlisle chuckled, slipping off his coat. “And here I thought I was home for a peaceful night.”

Esme walked over to the girls, inspecting their handiwork with approval before glancing at the three men still standing awkwardly in the doorway. “What’s wrong with you three?”

Lucas gestured at the girls. “They won’t let us leave without kissing, but they’re also covered in that weird stuff.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” Esme smiled, clearly holding back laughter. "Act like gentlemen and grab the magazines from the kitchen, please."

Jasper sighed in defeat, stepping forward and carefully pressing a kiss to Evelyn’s forehead — where there was no face mask. Lucas followed suit with Alice, while Emmett, ever the dramatic one, grabbed Rosalie’s hand and kissed it gallantly.

“There.” he declared. “Proper goodbye, no damage done. And, lastly, your magazines." He ran to the kitchen using his vampire speed.

With their mission complete, Jasper, Lucas, and Emmett finally made their way to the door.

“Try not to miss us too much!” Emmett called over his shoulder. "Man, they scare me when they gang up on us. I feel like everything we say is the wrong thing." he confessed to Jasper and Lucas as they left the house. The other two nodded in agreement with a chuckle.

As they disappeared into the night, Esme settled onto the couch beside Evelyn. “Alright, ladies, I hope you saved some of that for me.”

"Always." Eve giggled. She began to spread the mask on the vampire’s face, closing her eyes and letting her body relax.

Carlisle sighed in amusement as he headed toward his office. “Just let me know when it’s safe to come back. Also, gather in the living room when Edward arrives. He has something to tell us."

"It's definitely going to be something about Bella. I hate her." the blonde vampire hissed, immediately becoming sullen.

"They went to the forest together today. She knows." Alice confirmed his fears, clearly having had a vision of them. "Edward will talk to us, but they seem to be very close in my vision."

"Well, now there's nothing we can do." Evelyn sighed.

She already knew that it would be difficult for the vampire family, especially Rosalie, to accept this unusual relationship. The demigod agreed that it was dangerous, but who were they to keep Edward from his love? Just like everyone else, he also had the right to do whatever his heart told him to do. For now, she let herself listen to Rosalie complain while Alice and Esme tried to smooth things over.

‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗

Jasper pulled up to Evelyn’s house just as the morning sun peeked through the trees, casting golden streaks across the quiet street. He barely had time to step out of the car before the front door swung open.

And then — he forgot everything else.

Evelyn stepped outside, her hair catching the light just right, her outfit hugging her in a way that made his already still heart ache. It wasn’t fair. How did she always manage to look so effortlessly stunning?

Jasper straightened, his golden eyes drinking her in as she walked towards him.

"Good morning." she said with a soft smile, giving him a chaste kiss. Jasper, however, pulled her closer, deepening the kiss, his large hands resting on the demigod's hips.

Jasper tilted his head, a slow smirk touching his lips. “Morning, darlin’. You planning on ruining every boy’s concentration today, or is this just for me?”

“I have no idea what you're talking about.” Evelyn rolled her eyes.

Jasper let out a quiet chuckle. "I'll pretend I believe you.”

Before she could protest, he was already at her side, brushing his fingers along her arm as he opened the car door for her. She slides in, and he shuts the door before rounding to the driver’s side.

As he started the car, he flicked a glance toward her. “You do know every guy at school is gonna be lookin’ at you, right?” I'll feel every single emotion of them. They look at you like you are a meal.” his voice was inferior, edged with something darker. “And I don’t like it.”

“Jealous, Major?” Evelyn raised an eye, amused. His smile widened even more at the tremor that ran through the vampire's body upon hearing the nickname.

“You have no idea.”

"It's a good thing I only have eyes for you." Eve whispered, unable to bear Jasper's intense gaze, which should have been focused on the road but wasn't, and shyly looking away. "Did Edward ever talk to you guys?"

After her spa moment with the three Cullenn women, Evelyn ended up going home to give the vampire clan more privacy to discuss the matter regarding Edward and Bella. In addition, she hadn't spent a night alone in a few days, so she decided to take advantage of it by eating a bunch of junk food while watching Disney movies.

"He just said that Bella had discovered our secret and that he was in love with her. Of course, Rosalie immediately started arguing with him and Carlisle tried to mediate. Edward ended up locking himself in his room like a moody teenager." Jasper explained, as he placed his hand on Evelyn's thigh. "You could have stayed there. Your opinion is important to us."

"That's fine, I think it was better this way. Especially because it's a more private matter, and it's already enough that Edward thinks we're all against him. Having the mindset of a seventeen-year-old boy for the rest of your life can't be easy."

After a few minutes, spent in comfortable silence, they arrived at Forks school and Jasper slowed down until he reached the place where he and his entire family normally parked. He had barely pulled into the lot when the emotions hit him like a tidal wave.

Interest. Lust. Envy.

Everywhere, boys were turning their heads, their thoughts clear even before their emotions gave them away. They were looking at Evelyn — his Evelyn.

Jasper clenched his jaw. He could feel it too vividly. The way some admired her beauty, the way others were already trying to catch her attention, the way a few were even wondering if she was really taken — as if she could be convinced otherwise.

Jasper had lived through a century, fought wars, faced monsters—been one himself—but nothing bothered him more than the thought of someone else looking at his girl like this.

A low growl rumbled in his throat. Rosalie, Alice, Emmett and Lucas watched amusedly, just a little away from them. The couple immediately captured the attention of all the students, and it was amusing to see Jasper so protective. Even after months, this never changed.

Before Evelyn could even reach the door, Jasper was already there, opening it for her. He offered his hand, his grip firm as he helped her out, keeping her close.

“Such a gentleman.” she teased.

Jasper smirked, but his voice took on something more possessive as he murmured, “Only for you, darling.”

Evelyn didn't notice the sharp glance he shot toward the group of gawking boys, but they did. Most of them quickly averted their gazes and quickly hurried up to enter the school.

Satisfied, Jasper tucked Evelyn's arm through his and led her toward his siblings, who were looking effortlessly untouchable.

“You two took your time.” Alice teased with a knowing smile.

Jasper just rolled his eyes, but before he could respond, the attention of the entire parking lot shifted.

Edward and Bella had arrived.

Bella, still somewhat hesitant about all the eyes on her, walked beside Edward as he led her to the school entrance stairs. But there was no ignoring the buzz of curiosity and envy from the other students.

Edward wore dark sunglasses and a proud smile on his lips. Poor Bella, on the other hand, looked very uncomfortable with all the eyes on her. To make matters worse, the vampire put an arm around the brunette's shoulders, whispering something in her ear. The rest of the vampires looked at the couple seriously, knowing that this reckless behavior could bring them serious consequences.

Whispers spread through the crowd. How is she with him? I thought she wasn't into dating. She's so lucky. Look at him.

"Well," Emmett began, smirking. "Look how they're the main attraction today."

Jasper chuckled, shaking his head. But as he pulled Evelyn just a little closer to his side, he knew one thing for sure, he was okay with Edward and Bella being the center of attention if it meant Evelyn could have a day in peace without being bothered.

‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗‗

"Why do I have to be here while Bella meets you?" Evelyn huffed, sitting cross-legged on Jasper's bed, which he had bought when he met his mate. In turn, Jasper was in front of his bookshelf, looking for his next read.

"Because Edward said that way Bella would be more comfortable. Besides, I want you here." the Hale replied sincerely, turning his attention back to the blonde. She was completely comfortable in his house, in his room, letting herself fall back into the pillows with a sigh.

"Come lie down with me, Jas."

Jasper obeyed immediately, his body going to bed before he could even think about what he was doing. He let himself be snuggled close to the demigod, putting an arm around her as she laid her head on his strong chest. His hands, large and cold, caressed the skin of her arm, enjoying the goosebumps that formed under his touch.

He turned his head to the side, trying to engrave every feature of Evelyn into his mind. Her nose, the small freckles that were scattered across her face, her blue eyes. She was an angel. Coming to this world to make it a better place, condemned to spend her life alongside a monster.

“You’re starring, Jas.” Evelyn murmured, her voice as soft as honey. Like an angel singing. "I love you. I really really love you. I never thought I could feel this happiness, you make me feel like the luckiest person in the world."

"I assure you, my love, I am the lucky one."

Evelyn's heart was stuttering. He was too close now, his golden eyes flickering between hers and her lips. Evelyn's breath hitched as he leaned in, his lips barely brushing hers — just enough to tease, to make her want to close the distance herself. She did.

The first kiss was soft, slow, but filled with that undeniable pull between them. Jasper's hand slid along her waist, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss, his lips moving against hers with an intoxicating tenderness.

Evelyn melted into him, her hands curling into his shirt as her other hand dug into the back of his head, playing with his curls. The vampire kissed her like she was the only thing in the world that mattered — like he’d been waiting forever just to do this.

"Are you sure?" Jasper pulled back a little, even as the blonde's soft, full lips chased his, looking for more. "I don't want to hurt you. I don't know if I can control my strength…"

"You won't hurt me, Jasper." the girl assured, looking into his amber eyes with full trust in him. She didn't feel the slightest bit of fear, all she needed was him. "I trust you. Please."

Without questioning twice, Jasper brought their lips together again, this time with more force, more hunger, as if her lips were the only way to survive. They let their hands explore each other's bodies, small raspy moans coming from both of them. Quickly, Jasper began helping Evelyn take off her shirt, appreciating her body and kissing her skin with tenderness.

They allowed themselves to be consumed by each other, creating an unbreakable bond. Even with all the challenges they would have to overcome with supernatural creatures and even the problems of any mere human, they belonged to each other. An indomitable force, a love that was the most beautiful thing, but also the most dangerous.

[mirkwoodshewolf]

Tortured past; George Weasley x reader

*Author's note*

The Weasley twins are my COMFORT characters and have really been trying to get me out of any writing funk that I find myself in. And this little piece just proves that I need a real Weasley boy in my life rn. Now in this fic you are Neville's older sister and being a Longbottom means that there will be talk of what happened to Frank and Alice Longbottom (they deserved SO MUCH BETTER and we all wish they could've seen just how BRAVE their son became to be).

Warnings: Parent's tortured, some heavy angst, critical grandmothers, but overall FLUFF, SOFT GEORGIE BOI WE STAN OUR EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TWIN.

Taglist:

@waddles03

@plethora-of-things

@queen-paladin

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels

@psychosupernatural

@remussl0vers

_________________________________________________________

6th year at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  Only one more year and my dream of becoming a healer gets closer and closer.  But something this year was different compared to the previous years, for one the men of Durmstrang and the ladies of Beauxbatons are here to compete for the legendary TriWizard tournament.

“I’m guessing you already heard about what happened with Fred and George the other day, correct?” my best friend Angelina Johnson asked me as we walked to our next class, Defense Against the Dark Arts.

“Oh I didn’t need to hear of it, I saw it with my own eyes when I was assisting Madam Pomfrey. You best believe I gave that boy a lecture that his own mother would’ve given him feel like child’s play. I assume you also told Fred off as well?”

“He’s been avoiding me because he knows what I’m about to deliver to him.”

“Hey Oliver didn’t make you the new Captain of Gryffindor’s Quidditch team for nothing. You can be quite scary when you want to be Angie.”

“So, what do you feel about an ex-auror teaching our class? That display with the ceiling the start of the term was pretty intense.” She asked me.

“Well compared to Professor Lupin last year, he couldn’t be that bad. I mean he does know his stuff and what the Dark Arts is really like. At least he won’t just talk about himself and his fraudulent stories like Lockheart did.”

“Yeah well AHH HEY!!” a flash of orange snuck up behind her and literally swept her away before I was picked up and spun around.  I laughed as I was finally sat down and was looking up at my boyfriend of 3 years, George Weasley.

“I can assume you had something to do with this scheme?”

“Scheme? You wound me woman, can’t a bloke simply say hi to his girlfriend without it seeming like some diabolical plot?”

“When it comes to you and Freddie, not a chance in hell.” He grinned before leaning down and captured my lips with his.

He and his brother were definitely a force that came into my life that I didn’t know I needed.  Being the eldest child of Frank and Alice Longbottom and the older sister of Neville, my home life as you all know wasn’t exactly the happiest.  Having a mother and father who were once doting, loving parents be tortured to the point where they don’t even recognize you anymore and are forever mute it…..it breaks my heart just thinking about it.

It was after coming back to Hogwarts for the first time after the Christmas holiday that I found myself in an empty hallway and just wept to myself.  I tried to be strong for Neville when we went on our annual visit to mum and dad at St. Mungo’s with Gran but I could only hold it in for so long.

That’s when I had crossed paths with the twins Fred and George Weasley.  Already in the span of the short time, they had made a name for themselves as the official Pranksters and Kings of Chaos at Hogwarts, even though their older brothers were more academically intelligent and didn’t have time for pranks and nautical nonsense.

George had sat down beside me and asked why I was crying but I didn’t want to cry out my life’s story especially since it was too personal to me.  So I made up a lie and said that I was feeling homesick after being home and having to come back in such a short time.

They could’ve made fun of me saying that it shouldn’t have mattered or just walked away, but no.  George handed me a handkerchief and they sat beside me and kept my mind distracted by sharing with me their future pranks they had in mind, how they dreamed of trying out for the Quidditch team next year, and of course they tried to see if I could guess which twin was which.

They may look alike but there were keen differences I’ve noticed when they thought no one was looking and when I had been the first to successfully guess which twin was which, the rest was history as the Muggles say.

Fred became my best friend (next to Angelina).  He’s loud, boisterous but not in a cruel way.  Sure I’ve been on the end of a few of their pranks but nothing ever harmful or humiliating.  Just when I needed a laugh or focus on something other than my studies.  And George, well he’s the more reserved twin.  If Fred gets too overboard, Georgie is there to pull him back.  He’s also the more emotionally intelligent one, always there to lend an ear whenever someone has a bad day or just wants to get something off their chest.

And it was during our third year that I began to develop romantic feelings for George and apparently he for me.  So Fred (being the Mad Genius that he claims himself to be) thought it would be funny to lock us up in the Quidditch locker room and wouldn’t let us out until we confessed our feelings for one another.  Well joke ended up being on him cause he’d soon see us snogging each other and run out claiming his eyes had forever been tainted.

George separated from the kiss first but kept a hand cupping just underneath my jawline.

“I missed you.” He whispered.

“You saw me in the Healing wing yesterday after yours and Fred’s little stunt with the Goblet of Fire.”

“Still, you wouldn’t kiss me. How can you say you love me if you wouldn’t kiss me seeing what I would eventually look like when we grow old and grey together?” I shoved him as he chuckled and pulled me back into his arms.

“You are awful George Weasley.”

“Mmm but you love it.” He whispered lowly as he grazed his lips against mine.  His hot breath dancing across my face sending shivers down my spine.

“As much as I do, we best not be late to class.” He groaned but I took his hand and guided him towards the DADA classroom, “C’mon you. The sooner we get our day over with, the sooner we’ll get the Common room and have some alone time.”

“I like the sound of that.” We entered the classroom and I sat by Angelina while George took his seat by Fred as he usually did.  Lee Jordan took his seat behind the twins and next to Alicia Spinnet while Katie Bell took her seat behind us.

“Hey Ange, (N/n), did any of you complete that homework assignment for Snape’s class? I tried to get it done but I got stuck the last several questions.”

“Let me look at it after this class, I’ll see what you’re struggling with.” I told her.

“Longbottom I owe yah.” As we all continued to chat idly the doors soon slammed open and we all went quiet as stumbling in on his cane was the infamous former auror, Mad-eye Moody.  He trudged his way towards the desk where a whole bunch of bugs and other creepy-crawlies lay in large jars.

“Alastor Moody. Ex-auror, Ministry malcontent, and you’re new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. I’m here because Dumbledore asked me end of story goodbye. The end. Any questions?” we were all silent.

Well so far he is pretty intense. Definitely no playing around with this Professor.  We all remained silent while some even very lightly shook their heads no.

“When it comes to the Dark Arts, I believe in a practical approach. But first, which of you can tell me how many Unforgivable Curses there are?” again everyone was quiet until Angelina spoke up.

“Three sir.”

“And they are so named?” Professor Moody began as he began to write aggressively on the chalkboard.

“Because they are unforgivable. And the use of any one of them—”

“Will earn you a one way ticket to Azkaban, correct!” he turned back towards us and continued, “Now the Ministry says you’re all young to see what these curses do, I say different! Being nearly of legal age you all need to know what you’re up against! You need to be prepared! So….which curse shall we see first? Weasley!”

“Yes?” both Fred and George chorused together slightly frightened as the former auror stood in front of their desks.

“You Weasley.” He said pointing at Fred.  “Stand!” Fred and George briefly looked at each other before Fred slowly got up.  “Now, give us a curse.”

“Well…..dad did tell us about one?”

“Uh-huh yeah.”

“The Imperius Curse.”

“Oh yeah, yeah your father would know all about that. Gave the Ministry a bit of grief a few years ago. Here’s why.” He went over towards his desk as Fred slowly sat down in his seat.  Professor Moody reached into a jar muttering down to one of the creatures as he took it out of the jar before using a spell to make it grow.  It was some kind of spider-like creature with pincer-like claws.  “Imperio!”

The spider then levitated off of the Professor’s hand before being flung straight towards mine and Angelina’s desk.  We both jumped back as the spider-like creature came towards me before being flung right over my shoulder and landed on Graham Montague’s head.  He froze as Professor Moody said.

“Don’t worry, she’s completely harmless. Unless she bites, she’s lethal.” He kept throwing the creature between each student as laughter began to rang out from the classroom (that was until you were chosen to have the spider-like creature either be on you or hover over you.)  Katie got the creature to crawl up her arm, Adrian Pucey got it flung straight to his face from across the room.  And poor Lee he too also got it flung after he had laughed harder than any of us after seeing Adrian freak out.

“Talented isn’t she? What shall I have her do next? Jump out the window?” the creature was flung from Lee’s face all the way to the window across the room.  “Drown herself?” the poor thing was barely hovering over a bucket filled with water and I could see it struggling trying to avoid taking a dive before it slowly came back towards the Professor’s hand.

The once joyous laughter that rang through the classroom became grim as we saw that this wasn’t just about having fun with creatures like that.  Imagine if this were a person, a child like one of us? Being forced to do things we didn’t want to do.

“Scores of witches and wizards have claimed that they did You-know-who’s bidding, under the influence of the Imperius curse. But here’s the rub, how do we sort out the liars? Another, another.” Some hands slowly began to raise while I slowly began to sink down in my chair hoping to not be picked on.  “Longbottom, is it?” Bollocks.  “Up, up.”

Slowly I stood up and he stood right in front of me.  “I’m told from Madam Pomfrey that you have a knack for the healing touch, right?”

“Y-yes sir.” I softly answered.  “The-there’s the uhh…..” I swallowed hard.  “The Cruciatus curse.” I muttered ever so softly that I couldn��t even hear myself say it.

“Speak up lass, I don’t think the people heard you from the back of the classroom.” The Professor growled at me.

“The Cruciatus Curse.”

“Yes, yes correct! Come, come, come, come. Take a look at this nasty.” He brought me over to his desk as he set the creature down on the jar lid it came out of.  “The torture curse. Curcio!” the Professor proclaimed as he pointed his wand at the creature which immediately began shrieking in agony.

It writhed in such agony that even though I didn’t know exactly what it was saying, I knew that it was probably pleading for it to stop.  Flashbacks of my mum and dad flashed through my mind.  Now seeing what this curse could do to a tiny little insect, I couldn’t imagine what mum and dad went through when Bellatrix Lestrange did this to them repetitively.

My heart raced as I couldn’t help but closed my eyes and covered my mouth trying to keep a sob in as my eyes burned with tears.

“STOP IT! CAN’T YOU SEE IT’S BOTHERING HER!?! STOP IT!!” George exclaimed angrily.  Finally the creature stopped it’s shrieking and rested as the Cruciatus curse stopped and it relaxed its body.  I felt sick to my stomach as a couple of tears slipped down past my face and Professor Moody took the creature back over to Fred and George’s table but this time set the creature down in front of George.

“Perhaps you’d like to give us the last Unforgivable curse Mr. Weasley.” I turned to George who looked straight at me with a heartbroken expression.  He swallowed harshly and shook his head.  The Professor nodded before aiming his wand at the creature and with a flash of green proclaimed.

“Avada Kedavra!” immediately the spider flipped onto it’s back dead right in front of George.  “The Killing Curse. Only one person is known to have survived it, and he walks these very halls. Now then, open your books to Chapter 24 and began your research on the Unforgivable Curses. I want 7 parchment papers handed into me by the end of the week all about the Unforgivable Curses you’ve just witnessed.”

I sat back down beside Angelina and tried to get my work done as fast as I could that way I could just forget about what had happened in class today.

Once class was dismissed, I was the first to leave and tried to avoid anyone from seeing me.  Tears continued to burn in the back of my eyes as I saw flashes of my mum and dad, envisioning what they went through, the screams of agony they must’ve cried out but even still refusing to submit nor spill any secrets they had.

I managed to find a spare empty room and I shut the door before sliding down to the ground, my back pinning against the door as I tried to calm my breathing but it kept coming out in sharp trembles and I couldn’t get my hands to stop shaking.  I wrapped my arms over my chest and held them there as I choked out a couple of sobs when a soft knock was heard.

“(Y/n)? Love are you in there?” my heart sunk at the sound of George’s voice.

“Please go away.” I pleaded.

“You sure about that love?”

“Yes George please go. I—I don’t want you to see me like this.”

“I’ve seen you at your worst and your best. It doesn’t matter—”

“George just leave me alone!” I snapped.

I didn’t want to snap at him like that but this—this was too personal for me. I—I didn’t want to share my reason for this breakdown, not yet.

“Okay. Okay I-I get it. But know this, I’ll be in my dorm room if you want to chat. Or to cuddle. I’ll leave you be love.” I heard him softly knock three times telling me that he loved me to which I silently broke down even more.  How did I deserve someone like George Weasley? Someone so kind and understanding.  Oh mum would’ve loved him and dad would’ve wanted to interrogate him even though he’s not so menacing looking.

After awhile my breakdown subsided and I looked at my watch to see that it was now mid-afternoon.  I had missed practically most of my lessons as well as lunch.  No point in going to my last two classes today since the day was almost over, I wonder if George kept his promise and went to his dorm room?

I wondered through the secret passage ways to avoid Filch or his nosey cat till I came to the staircase that lead to the Gryffindor common room.  I came up to the portrait of the Fat Lady and she said.

“Well, the second Gryffindor lover to skip classes.”

“Fortuna Major.” I spoke the password.

“Go in. but no funny business.” She told me as the portrait opened up and I came into the common room of my House.  I looked between the stairway of the boys and girls common room.

I guess it is time that someone knew the truth at least.  I hadn’t even told Angelina or the rest of the girls on the Quidditch team what happened to my parents, nor have I ever shown them what I now feel comfortable showing Georgie.  I first went down towards my dorm to grab my special book before coming back up and now going up the stairs toward the boys dormitory pathway.

I came up to the 6th year level and walked the familiar path that lead to the twins and Lee Jordan’s room.  I stood outside the door for a moment before knocking softly.  I waited a few seconds before the door opened revealing George.  His tie gone and a couple of his buttons undone and still wearing the cardigan.

“Hey.” He greeted me softly.

“Hi.” I greeted back softly.  “I’m—I’m sorry about….”

“You don’t have to apologize for anything. That lesson was well—it wasn’t like anything we’ve had before.” I nodded before slamming myself into his chest and held onto him.

Immediately his arms wrapped around me as he held me protectively rocking me back and forth.  George kept an arm over my shoulders as he guided me into his dorm.  Already I was hit with the smell of strong cologne’s from each boy that lived in this dorm room but it was when we got to George’s bed that the smell of apple mint and musk overpowered the cinnamon and cedar smell from Fred and Lee respectively.

George set me down on his bed and knelt down in front of me and began to untie my shoes.  Carefully setting them to the side of his dresser by his bedside before I flopped sideways onto his bed once my last shoe had been taken off.  He sat down beside me and tucked the strands of hair behind my ear.

“Do you want to talk now or do you wanna cuddle?”

“Cuddle first, then I’ll talk.”

“I’m in no hurry babe.” I scooted over so that he could lay in front of me.  He matched my position of lying on his side, his forehead nearly pressing against mine as he reached up and stroked my cheek with his thumb before pressing a tiny kiss to my nose which got me to quirk up a smile for the first time since before DADA class.  George grinned softly leaning in closer so that our noses were touching and he’d playfully rub his nose against mine.

“You are such a sap.”

“Only for you. Now I did notice that you weren’t at lunch so,” he reached out and in one of the drawers he pulled out some sandwiches then took his wand and pointed it towards Fred’s desk and said, “Accio sweet’s bag.” Soon Fred’s secret stash of Honeydukes sweets came shooting out and he caught it in his hand.  “And some of Fred’s sweet treats from his secret stash. Though it’s not really a secret when you can see it from across the room.”

“You sure he won’t mind?” I asked hesitantly.

“Oh he won’t even know, and if he does I’ll take the blame.” He winked at me.  I shook my head as I took the bag of sugar quills and chocolate cauldron cakes.  “Ahh but first I want to see you eat a few bites of these sandwiches.”

“Yes sir.” I mocked saluted as I took the bag of sandwiches and ate those right up.  My starving stomach suddenly coming into play as it demanded more food and let out a deep and loud growl loud enough for even George to hear it.  “Shut up and don’t you say a word.”

“I wasn’t going to.” He laughed softly.  After eating the two sandwiches I then snacked on some of Fred’s sugar quills before deciding that I was finally full and we resumed our cuddling position, this time he lay flat on his back, his head resting against his headboard while my head rested just over his heart.  One arm hung over my waist while the other stroked through my black locks.  Occasionally I’d feel a kiss or two being pressed around my head or the crown of my head.

“It happened 14 years ago, Neville was just a few months old. Mum and dad left for a mission against You-know-who leaving us at our Gran’s house. The last thing I remember was hearing my mum’s voice telling me to be a good girl and watch over my brother till they came back. And she told me she and dad loved us both so much. But the mission went sideways, they were captured and tortured for information. A few Death eaters were greatly involved but one of them, Bellatrix Lestrange took pure enjoyment in torturing my parents with the Cruciatus curse. She—she tortured them so badly, that they no longer speak, nor can they function in society anymore. They now live at St. Mungo’s permanently at the Psyche ward section of the hospital. They……they don’t even recognize either me or Neville, my dad doesn’t even remember his own mother.”

“Bloody hell.” George whispered in shock.

“Every Christmas or any holiday we can, Gran takes us to go see them. Dad just sits there staring at the window never moving. And mum she—she paces but then she’ll turn to look at us. She doesn’t recognize our faces but she does make us some little trinkets. It’s—nothing special but they…..they mean a lot to me and Neville.” I then sat up and took out a journal from my robes.  George sat up and looked over my shoulder as I opened up my journal to reveal mum’s trinket journal.

Each page contained a flower petal from all the flowers I’d leave for her after the previous visit.  Each had a date when I was given one and I’d write which flower they belonged to.

“Neville has the same thing but they’re gum wrappers. Both of them don’t speak a word, just—a vacant shells of their former selves. But at least—at least mum still gives out gi-gifts like all mothers do for their kids.” An ugly sob spilled out of my throat as I covered my face with my hands.

George immediately wrapped his arms around me and tucked my head under his chin.  I held onto him as tightly as I could as I wept into his chest.

“Shhh, shhh. Let it out love, don’t hold back. Let yourself fall apart, I’m here to hold you together.” He whispered so loving and so softly.  He rocked me from side to side as he rubbed my back and stroked through my hair, kissing my forehead every so often I’d let out a choked sob, hoping that his kisses would help ease my frantic, heavy sobs.

I don’t know how long we held onto each other for but eventually my tears subsided and were finally spent.  I wiped the tearstains on my cheeks with my sleeve before a handkerchief appeared before my eyes with the W stitched to the side.  I smiled softly and took it and used it to dab my eyes.

“Merlin’s beard that was—gruesome.”

“Why?” he softly asked as he tucked my hair behind my ear.

“I—I’ve never cried like that in front of someone. Probably not the most attract—” he pressed his index finger to my lips silencing me.

“First of all, to say you’re not attractive is utter rubbish. So don’t you dare finish that statement.” I softly scoffed. “Second of all, it looked like you really needed it. It’s one thing to let it out all on your own, but to let it out with someone close to you…..doesn’t it feel just a bit better?”

“Yeah. It—it does. I always tried to be strong for Neville, he’s never even got to know mum and dad like I did. And Gran is always comparing him to dad, don’t get me wrong we love our Gran but sometimes she can be so critical. It’s like—at times she’s trying to mold us into dad in order to regain the son she lost.”

“Not to say you probably don’t get something from him, but I prefer you just being you. Your brilliant and golden-hearted self.” He pressed his head against mine as he wrapped an arm over my shoulder keeping me close to him.

“Thank you George.”

“No thanks needed love.” He gingerly brushed away the remaining tears hidden underneath my lashes and I softly smiled at him. “There she is, there’s my beautiful girl.”

“If you call beautiful being red-puffy eyed from crying, snot drooping down, and tearstains on her cheeks.”

“Still beautiful to me.” I rolled my eyes playfully.

“You are such a sap.”

“You made me a sap, but I don’t regret it. Especially when it annoys Fred.” I shoved my shoulder against his which made him chuckle.  “Here, drink this.” He handed me a small vial with crystal clear liquid.

“Is this another one of your test pranks?”

“You know I would never let you test something when you’re this vulnerable, honestly woman have you no faith in me?” I merely shrugged and he gawked at me, “For now I’m giving you a pass but expect to be punished later for doubting your loving and caring boyfriend. It’s just water, with a bit of healing herbs to ease the headaches I’m sure you’re feeling right now after all this crying.” I took the vial and uncapped it before taking the whole thing down like a shot of butterbeer.

Immediately I felt my headaches ease and my body slowly starting to succumb to slumber.  George adjusted us back onto our second cuddle position on the bed with my head over his heart and both his arms wrapped around me, our legs intertwined with each other.

“Just sleep now love. Anyone asks, I’ll hex them out allowing us some privacy.”

 “I love you George.” I whispered.

“I love you more (Y/n). And thank you for sharing something so personal with me. I promise Fred won’t know of this unless you want him to.” And I knew he’d keep that promise.  As much as I know Fred is probably worried for my well-being after that class, George won’t crack and tell him what he now knows even if he were put under the Cruciatus curse.

I felt him kiss my forehead before the spell of the water finally took it’s full effect and had me fall asleep safely in George’s arms where the last thing I heard was his strong heartbeat and the sound of his breathing.

[queenvhagar]

Do you know where "the book is team green propaganda" came from? I often see this in the fandom in discussions

The showrunners themselves said this 🫠

Ryan Condal specifically called at least Blood and Cheese and the Aegon/Sunfyre bond propaganda, as in, he believes that women lie about their trauma and Alicent somehow got to the historians through all of this and lied about what she and her family went through (and apparently made up a grandson 🥴) with the specific purpose of slandering her ex bestie of three years/enemy of decades, despite the fact she apparently would kill her sons to reconcile with her... and he says the stuff about Sunfyre being beautiful and Aegon choosing his golden banner based on their strong bond was "Westerosi historical propaganda."

Basically it's their justification/shutdown of critics for what they view as their own superior writing changes to the story. These writers are high on their own fumes and their ego is so inflated that they think they can write ASOIAF better than GRRM himself (despite the fact that Sara Hess admitted she never even watched Game of Thrones and took no consideration of the universe when creating her own narratives in this show).

This also stems from this "maester conspiracy" where people believe a select group of people high up in society are secretly controlling things from the shadows and calling the shots... and like all similar conspiracy theories, this is actually deeply rooted in antisemitism.

It's very unlikely that a large number of people, even maesters, could collaborate in secret and all agree on set things in order to completely rewrite history... and there's the fact that the historical textbook Fire and Blood was written by GRRM as the in-universe definitive source on the real history, using a variety of sources including historians, eyewitnesses, survivors, and royal household staff, in which there are people sympathetic toward both sides of the Dance.

Despite all of this, writers and fans are convinced that somehow all the sources that paint TB in a bad light are fictitious propaganda while at the same time accounts that paint TG in a bad light are taken at face value, and vice versa: parts of the story that recount TG as doing something for realistic reasons, being Targaryen dragonriders with bonded dragons, or even being a loyal united front as a family are apparently lies and stolen from TB in order to make TG look better, so the show "corrects" this by giving it all to TB.

Really wild that anyone can think the author of a series known for his anti war, all characters and sides are morally gray, and each character is conflicted in their heart about love and duty stories apparently purposefully wrote a story where war is justified due to actual prophetic divine right... some characters are completely good and others are completely evil... and their motivation really changes whenever the plot or writers need it... and he did all of it by purposefully crafting a story based on lies for no reason.

And well, we already know that GRRM has some opinions about how stuff like this has failed the story.

[ashalightwood]

I'm very tired of the "Is Bree a cheater" conversation, really.

Two things can be true:

1- Nick and Bree were building something and he probably (probably) will be upset with the fact she kissed Sel

2- Bree and Nick weren't in a oficial exclusive relationship and she did not cheat on anyone.

"Ah, but they both felt guilty about the Kiss"

Yes, because it's going to mess with someone they both care about. Still doesn't mean It's cheating.

"But Sel refered to Nick as Bree's boyfriend"

Yes, he did when he was being a menace and reading Bree. And he isn't the person who gets to put a label on them. Bree and Nick never refered to each other as "boyfriend"/"girlfriend". Bree say the world ONCE in Legendborn as a question to herself that IS never awnsered. When Alice says she is "dating" Nick, she is quick to correct her and stay they are "seeing" each other.

"Selbree shippers don't want to admit It was cheating because It would "tarnish" the moment

HA HA HA. I'm a poly shipper with a preference to selbree and I personally don't Care If my ship started as cheating. Sometimes is even better!

Furthemore, Bree knew Nick for a few weeks, she knows Sel for a few months. We are talking about 17-18yo figuring stuff out. It's not that deep. Some of you would survive Will/Tessa/Jem storyline. It's a love triangle, she'll get involved with BOTH of them.

[magnus-marmot]

TMAGP 38 thoughts: let's talk hunger

Spoilers!

Felt weird coming to this right after watching a video essay on Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs. Gives it a funny undertone. This little piggy went to market...

Once again, we've got some hunger and eating related stuff in the incident. As I have mentioned in some of my other posts, I have noticed a connection with literal and metaphorical hunger and some symbolism that could tie into the alchemical Luna (I added a brief explanation to my pinned post). Most of those cases have a high H value, and in this one the H was also the highest one (DPHW 2153). So I'm starting to lean towards H meaning Hunger, which would conveniently also be Hunger in the German equivalent (TSHU). But I'm still keeping my mind open for other interpretations.

What this case was missing (and what most other Hunger cases have) is an emotional element or a painful memory. So with very little proof and a lot of reading between the lines, I will claim that the trauma is on the mother. She reacted very oddly to the carousel and told the kid to keep it safe and not play with it. It connects to her antique business/hobby, and more importantly, she immediately jumped to thinking it was from East Berlin. The mother spoke fluent German, so it's not inconceivable to think that she grew up in East Germany, which was dissolved in 1990 (the case is dated in 1992). The carousel may even have been her own childhood toy. Since she refused to teach her kid German, it feels fitting to me that she might have some trauma related to her life in there. And if my theories are correct about the world manifesting or reflecting the collective unconscious, we can imagine that East Germany manifested a lot of traumatic events for its citizens. Even if we don't know what the mother's specific emotional turmoil was.

Through this lens, the entire symbolism starts making a little more sense too. At night, the pigs turned red and black, which were two of the three prominent colors on the DDR flag. The pigs are oinking angrily, "in German", almost like police or military officers shouting orders as they circle the sad people who are drowning in blood in the middle. Okay it may not be the subtlest metaphor, but this is what I'm personally reading between the lines. Oh, and let's not forget about the bit at the end where the kid bites into a "ham" sandwich right after listening (albeit not understanding) a creepy voice talk about eating parents. Which little piggy went to market again?

As for alchemy stuff, there's not much for me to look into. Celia mentioned specific symbols (lead, sulphur, phosphorus and zinc), but it's just as impossible for me to say what they relate to as it was for her. I expected some juicier alchemy from Colin's notes, but I guess I'll have to wait for Alice to decode it. I also can't wait to meet Heinrich Unheimlich. If he's the same as Mr. Cat Eyes, we've got ourselves another trickster character.

[redrum-alice]

ABA x Paracelsus HCs that live in my mind rent-free, even though I haven't played the game--

Some of these HCs include other characters involved in their arcade mode.

ABA is no stranger to stalking people. So when she came across a lookout point, she saw many couples, mostly teenagers, making out and going on romantic dates. She wonders what it would feel like to be young and in love, rather than just declaring someone whom she met first glance as a "husband"

ABA's collection of keys were hidden somewhere in the pocket dimension. She sometimes uses them as accessories to adorn herself, despite the like of knowledge in fashion (the girl wears pants as a top--)

There are many shades of blue that ABA can pick from. Since Paracelsus turned himself blue, the shiny surface reflected more colors than just blue, inspiring her to try and appreciate other colors near the blue gradient.

Added to the color stuff, she eventually tries variation of outfits with other colors, but with blue as the base.

Paracelsus knows when she's feeling fatigued. When she's at her limit, he opens the pocket dimension and lets her rest there until she wakes up. ABA sees this as his love language, but unintentional on his part

Both ABA and Paracelsus have no clue on how homonculi biology works, and Paracelsus hates to admit he feels bad that ABA may be at risk of getting herself hurt without him knowing what to do

Paracelsus wishes he knows more about human anatomy because its the closest one to ABA's physiology.

Since ABA is clairvoyant, she often hears the spirits of their victims which she tries to ignore, and probably because she doesnt know the correct response to a wailing dead person wanting justice. When its too much, she asks Paracelsus if what theyre doing was justified and that she begins to regret her rage filled jealousy directed at those that dont even bother them.

Paracelsus keeps telling ABA that she needn't to worry because it was a necessity for the both of them-- something he deeply regrets to say because he knows she has strong principles that she live by despite not being a human

Paracelsus, deep down, is ashamed of himself for tainting ABA for the purpose of tending to his bloodlust. He saw how genuine and pure hearted she is, but it turned into malice because of his demonic origin. He begins to wonder what ABA would be like if she found someone else years ago.

Just like ABA, Paracelsus has an unspoken fear of abandonment, but since he lacks capacity to feel other emotions, he doesnt notice this.

Ever since Elphelt and Testament approached her with good intentions, ABA wanted to make more friends like them, but is scared that others have ill intentions toward her and Paracelsus.

ABA's favorite book would be Alice in Wonderland when she was still in Frasco, specifically the part where Alice was trapped in a room or multiple doors with the smallest door being the exit. ABA admires this because of the concept of escaping, especially that there's a key involved. (Im biased bc my name's Alice and i like this story--)

Besides door keys, she also collects windup key and smaller keys for chests and compartments. She sees this as a symbol for discovering new things, especially music when she came across a music box that needed a key

Speaking of music boxes, she associates this object with Elphelt bc of her musical talent (and that she may as well look like the ballerina spinning on the music box)

Other than doors, music boxes, and compartments, she also came across a small doll that needed a key. After she winds it up, it began walking and talking towards her and freaks her out. But when it said "mama" in a robotic voice, ABA contemplates and wonders if she was ready to become a parent somewhere in the near future when Paracelsus has a body. An impossible thought, but one could never be sure, and it scares her.

Butterfly Pea tea with brown sugar, or sparkling butterfly pea lemonade with honey would probably her favorite drink because of its color. She shares this with her hubby 🥰😋

There comes a time that her bandanges would get uncomfortable and smell bad from blood stains and wounds, so Paracelsus tells her she needs to change them before she gets an infection. He does stop her midway because he realizes she isnt wearing any undergarments and proceeds to take her in the pocket dimension.

Elphelt offers ABA to shop with her to pick clothes suited for her. The first thing she sees at the boutique display was a wedding dress and begins to day dream a wedding with Paracelsus. Without her looking, Elphelt happily buys the wedding dress with matching tuxedo and gives it to ABA, despite Paracelsus' protests (the fact that he hears them chatting about setting up the wedding next day had him ded on the spot :P)

ABA watches home video tapes left in houses unoccupied by their owners (abandoned or they went on vacation; ABA is a home intruder lol). She finds a tape labeled "Happy Day" and it plays a recording of a newly wed couple dancing at their reception. The way the couple moved gracefully tickled an idea in her brain and insisted she and Paracelsus should dance. But since the large key doesnt have any legs, her attempts in waltzing with him went nowhere 😅 (and this gave more reason for ABA to find a body for Paracelsus)

At late nights when ABA is asleep, Paracelsus wonders that if he had a body, would ABA still be shorter or they would be in the same height? Either way, he was impressed that she can keep herself up with that low weight despite her tall stature, more so on how she was able to carry him around without much muscle mass.

When he sleeps beside her, her hair unwittingly falls on his bow and feels how soft it is. A very pleasant feeling he won't admit.

Everyday, Paracelsus keeps reminding ABA that she needed to eat to gather strength. ABA often forgets to eat because its not hard wired in hr system, nor that it was even natural for her to eat in the first place.

[atopvisenyashill]

imo rhaenyra’s “madness” being that of a cult leader capable of convincing her followers to do ostensibly insane things cuz she’s just that charismatic & self-assured in the correctness of her beliefs is way cooler and less sexist than the typical ‘she went crazy’ targ nonsense, "ohhh ‘mad queen’ daenerys she’s so crazy it’s that classic targ madness just like her ‘mad’ ancestor ‘mad’ king aerys you never know with those ‘mad’ targaryens" that’s so boring lol, give me something believable

YES i honestly don’t understand and have been increasingly annoyed by these really disingenuous “oh so when rhaenyra slaughters innocents it’s totally fine bc she has the divine right 😒” criticism when it couldn’t be more clear that’s not what’s happening. i mentioned this with the white stag before, how people are taking the most bad faith reading of it imaginable and saying that’s objectively what the writers intended when….it’s very clear the writers are intending for a more nuanced exploration of the entire concept of the white stag, YOU (general you, not you anon) are purposefully taking it in a negative way because you like being pissed off. what an obnoxious way of engaging with the story!

and i feel the same here! the main criticism i see of rhaenyra is that a) she’s not allowed to get her hands bloody/she’s always in the right and b) they’re making it seem as if she has the divine right to commit violence due to the prophecy. there is absolutely no narrative basis for these readings though, it’s COMPLETELY people projecting.

the reason she doesn’t do anything earlier in the season is because she also isn’t doing anything in the BOOK during this section because of her grief. i think criticism of HOW they wrote that is valid - the fact that she doesn’t speak at all in the first episode was a heinous choice, i get what they were going for, but it fell so flat that as Professional Writers they should have realized they were missing the mark there - but this constant “rhaenyra doesn’t get her hands dirty” “rhaenyra is too perfect” is so fucjing obnoxious. they’re ✨building up to it✨ guys, it’s why they did the stuff with Aemond not meaning to kill Luke and then actively attempting to kill/harm Aegon, it’s why the Green Council goes from squabbling to actively suppressing Alicent’s voice, it’s why Rhaenyra's convos with Jacaerys have gotten increasingly more angry, on and on. Sorry you all wanted Rhaenyra to be a Born Evil Queen, but if they’re not doing that with Alicent, why would they do that with Rhaenyra? "Oh they only had Jacaerys call the dragonseeds mongrels because-" my comrade in christ they took Alicent making the decision to lock the smallfolk into the city and gave it to Aemond to make her look better and make Aemond look worse it's the exact same thing and they're doing it because they're trying to have a conversation about the cyclical rot of feudalism and the way these people are completely trapped by their own design in this cycle of violence!!!!

and YES very much, this gets into point b which is like....THIS is Mad Queen Rhaenyra, THIS is Rhaenyra the Cruel! It's Rhaenyra holding onto this prophecy that gives her the divine right to be violent, that represents her father choosing her over everyone else, that represents her own worthiness as a ruler, that every single fucked up thing she's suffered is worth it because the fabled hero will come from her line, because Jacaerys will follow her onto the throne and there will be unending peace, because Viserys chose HER he loved HER he only ever loved HER, and she HAS THE RIGHT but what does "have the right" even mean. "oh they always portray her as morally in the right" NO THEY DO NOT YOU ARE MAKING THAT UP. Rhaenyra thinks she's morally in the right and the show is constantly making her face the consequences of her own actions, and showing that (again, and I cannot overemphasize this enough, just like Alicent, just like Viserys, just like Aegon, and while they do it sloppily with them, just like Aemond and Daemon!) Rhaenyra will close her eyes to the glaring faults of the people around her and the violence she is helping to perpetuate because to her in the end, all of this suffering has to be worth it and she has this fancy little prophecy that is showing her it is worth it. That's so interesting! It's fascinating! "Well I think she-" Well that's just your opinion man! I'm having a fucking ball watching her step closer and closer to the edge and insisting that she's staying still, she's playing safe, it's everyone else that is taking the leap. That's fun, that's engaging, that's a good way of depicting that dichotomy of how greatness can so easily turn to madness.

[wild-fleurs]

Nate’s parenting to The Trio represents different age ranges of kids to me

The way he interacts with each of them to me shows he’s filling different age range needs

Yes they’re all adults & friends but they’re also a family & the parenting writing for Nate & Sophie is intentional so leaning into that makes sense but there’s a difference to me in how Sophie as the team mum is written vs Nate to each trio as the team dad

Sophie with everyone is usually motherly & naturing. Used to get them to through what they need getting through or be able to help themselves or get calm enough to continue the job or advice on how to interact with the mark, there’s a goal to her advice & helping the kids, she also corrects nate on his behaviour to “the kids” as a parent would to the other parent or talks to the kids about Nate’s behaviour

Nate’s parenting for each of the 3 is different in my opinion

With Elliot it’s more of an older teen type of thing he doesn’t metaphorically ground him or place consequences on him instead he gives him information & choices & advice sometimes scolds him but it feels more giving him the tools & information to make his own choices Elliot is more developed emotionally & in terms of individual world experiences than the other two. Nate is more of a sounding board, Elliot also often talks to Nate as a friend or calls out his behaviour or issues it’s more of a give & take as it can be with older teens/young adults

With Hardison I see it more has young teen or older child a lot of it is keeping him on task, pushing him to achieve what he can but thinks he can’t plus Hardison’s role of technology & Nate doesn’t know anything about that stuff so that’s another parents don’t get the technology angle. Hardison can written juvenile at times with video games & orange soda & pop culture/age of the geek stuff - not saying this is childish in itself but in his role in the team it is, his celebrations & rambles ect he’s got the enthusiasm & excitement. Like the gold job Nate guides him as a parent, lets him make the mistakes & learn the lesson but has the back up plan to help/save him & he’s clearly in trouble like a kid would be for staying up late playing video games for the airplane job

Parker is the young child with her mentality in a lot of ways, there’s a lot of “put it back parker” lol testing boundaries. She’s usually mentored in a way that’s gentle but teaches her but doesn’t usually punish her although the juror job was as a punishment for not listening (also Parker treats Alice as an imaginary friend of sorts who’s seperate to her & the team remind her she is Alice). Then there’s the psychic episode where they help her through her emotions. Parker has the childish viewpoint eg the Christmas episode believing in Santa, they usually indulge her interests & world view or correct her but she’s also pulled into line as needed & taught how her actions impact others which is more of a young child lesson. She’s the one who is raised the most by the team/Nate through the series from a closed off aloof loner thief to being the new mastermind & running the team & connecting with clients in a way she couldn’t have without Nate & Sophie as ‘parents’

Even though he lost Sam Nate is able to continue to be a parent through all phases with his team

Just random crap I’m thinking of as I watch

If I’d taken notes earlier on this idea I’d have more proof/info/examples to point to but this is off the top of my head

[arumidden]

Agatha All Along Finale Thoughts (A Lot of Them)

Honestly, found the finale kind of a let down. It felt so lackluster and wobbly compared to how insanely strong and awesome Lilia’s episode had been last week. I have a LOT of thoughts and here’s what I felt about each part (spoilers below cut):

About Rio/Death:

I feel like a lot about Rio/Death kinda of fell flat because of a) how they fought her, and b) Agatha turning into a ghost.

The fight felt weirdly lackluster to me. Partly because it somewhat devolved into CGI effects when this whole show has relied on more practical stuff, but also because of the way Agatha flip flopped between (seemingly) legitimately trying to offer Billy to Rio and trying to defend him by sacrificing herself. Clearly, Agatha is projecting Nicholas onto Billy, so why even bother with her still offering him up in the final battle? Why not have Agatha say that she’s not gonna let Rio take another boy she cares about before his prime and give her a heroic sacrifice and redemption?

Since we know that Rio said Billy would have to kill himself, since Rio can’t kill him herself, so why not instead have Rio try and egg Billy into offing himself by feeding his fears that by trying to find/save Tommy, Billy has killed an innocent boy. Rio hands Billy her knife and Billy tries to kill himself but Agatha stops him, takes the knife and stabs herself instead.

Plus, Agatha turning into a ghost so quickly really cheapens Rio as a villain. The whole point of her is that she is inescapable, and this is Agatha finally reaching the end of the road, both the Witches’ Road and her own life. For her to come back as a ghost immediately shows that this ending has no real importance or weight, and that Rio/Death is a kinda pathetic villain. All that build up just for Agatha to essentially escape immediately? Why not have Agatha reach the afterlife, see Nicholas, and feel like she needs to help at least one other boy achieve his live goals before she can stand to face Nicolas? So she begs Rio to let her right this wrong and Rio maybe reluctantly agrees? Or maybe even Rio says that Agatha got a long time before Rio lets her go again, and have Agatha return as a ghost only after Billy has reached some other hardship in the future and he summons her for help, letting her serve as a surprise return?

About Nicholas:

How does Nicholas’ story make any continuity sense? Doesn’t this episode contradict the hallucination Agatha had in episode 3? Why would she hallucinate seeing Nicholas’ cradle with the darkhold inside of that never even happened? Everyone else had hallucinations that were accurate and reflected their real traumas. Why does Agatha have one that is based on rumors? Is it meant to be that Agatha’s worst fear/trauma is what the others think of her? Cause that seems incredibly out of character.

Also, was Agatha killing witches to keep Nicholas alive longer, or just because she was greedy and wanted their power? I really wasn’t sure; it wasn’t super clear.

Why not have Agatha be tempted by the darkhold and sacrifice Nicholas for it, only for her to regret it and try to bring him back, so she kills witches/makes human sacrifices to Rio in an attempt to balance it out? This way, the line about the truth being worse than what actually happened is still correct? Cause honestly I don’t know how the truth is somehow worse than the rumor that she sold Nicholas for the darkhold. The kid just died randomly in his sleep.

About The Road/The Ballad:

I’m also not a huge fan of the Ballad being something Agatha and Nicholas just made up. It feels like it cheapens both the experiences of the coven as a whole and especially Lorna and Alice’s deaths. Their whole lives circled around the song, so for it to all turn out to be one of Agatha’s cons feels dirty.

Plus, if the ballad was a real song (whether the Road itself was real or not doesn’t even matter), I think it could have been a better push for Agatha to become a better mentor for Billy. The idea being that Agatha had tried to reach it in the past but failed because she just wasn’t Scarlet Witch levels of powerful would’ve given her a reason to steal other witches’ powers, thinking that she could maybe get around Rio and bring Nicholas back to life by defeating the Road. At some point, she’s become so powerful but still can’t reach the Road, so she figures it must be a myth and concedes to using it as a con to trick witches, only for Billy to finally open/create the Road himself. This shows Billy as being on a whole other level of power from Agatha, setting him up to be even more powerful than her or Wanda.

About Jen:

Hell yeah Jen survived the road. But what did she do that was so important in the last trial? Didn’t Lilia say Jen was going to be important? All she did was figure out how to unbind herself, and then Billy and Agatha figured out the rest in their own. Also, her leaving without tying up the loose ends or even saying goodbye to Billy afterwards felt wrong. Her arc was coming to care about the others. So why did she disappear as soon as she left the road? I think Billy being shocked to see her all covered in dirt in his room would’ve been a better ending, especially since I think she would be more empathetic towards Billy and understanding of his fear that he killed the others on the road. Plus, she could’ve then asked him if he got what he wanted out of the Road, which he could use as his segue into Finding Tommy.

[bonzos-number-1-fan]

Sam Messed Up + Tria Prima Ramblings

There are a few solid CAT# but one I really like is that it's based on if an incident affects the body, mind, or soul of the victim. This started off as an offhand example I used to explain how they could work, but there are a lot of fun links to it and will now make a semi-baseless accusation to continue to support it

Sam can't file documents correctly even when being told explicitly what to do.

Anyway, CAT#'s have been shown to have the following values, either in the show or on the Klaus doc: 1/2/3/12/13.

It stands to reason that if 13 can exist these are non-mutually exclusive categories and so 23 and 123 can also exist. And if an incident can be both 1 and 3 it would appear that these represent discrete facets of an incident's manifestation.

Given the show's obvious alchemic motifs it's not a huge leap to link that to the tria prima, alchemy's three primes; soul, spirit (mind), and body. These are represented by sulfur (🜍), mercury (☿), and salt (🜔) respectively. Each of which can be found on the OIAR's logo.

The strongest link here is that 3 is Body/Salt/🜔. Daria's transformation (full) was CAT3, ink5oul has 🜔 on their insta bio, and body is even the third thing in the list. Which is a great start.

We've also got transformation (eyes) at CAT23 which also helps back that up. There was an elemental of paranoia and mental manipulation to it as well as the transformation itself. That tracks really well for Spirit/Mercury/☿, which in alchemical terms is mind as most people would think of. CAT2 was also the watching doll which does also track.

The problem for me is with the last of our categories. CAT1 in the show has only been seen for reanimation (partial), combined with the extra context that said reanimation was "amalgamative", and I don't think that lines up well with a basic idea of Soul/Sulfur/🜍. If this was CAT13 I'd be all over this but I think given there is a strong emphasis of the physical body being an important detail here then it's not entirely convincing. Greater context could make it a stronger case though, if lots of undead ends up in CAT1 then it'd probably a sure thing.

The real problem with this idea is that Dr. Webber's incident seems to almost entirely disprove it. It was CAT2 and while it obviously had a strong mental component it's undeniably a huge physical transformation so it'd have to be CAT23 to really make this all make sense.

Which brings us to Sam. Sam definitely made one obvious mistake with the case number of Ep 3's incident. I think he also made a major mistake in its header. Both of which have solid foundations in the show's text. But I also think, somewhat seriously, that a third mistake has been made with the metatextual reason of obfuscating the meaning of this system.

So, after the incident plays and Sam talks to Alice about it she pretty explicitly tells him what it should be filed as. She says "“Infection” comma “arboreal”. Cross link it with “guilt” if you’re feeling fancy.", but this is what we get instead:

CAT2C8175-03042009-22012024 Infection (full body) -/- arboreal

Ignoring the header for the time being there firstly a very obvious and inarguable mistake. He missed out the R, and they all get the R because it's just a label. The header is also close to being different than what Alice mentions and arboreal as a crosslink specifically doesn't seem to fit in with the more emotional or mental elements crosslinks have had to that point. Arboreal doesn't fit in with regret, trespass, or dysmorphic, but guilt does. Which would make this the seemingly more correct case number and header:

CAT2RC8175-03042009-22012024 Infection (arboreal) -/- guilt

But based on the tria prima theory I'm now wondering if it's not meant to actually be this:

CAT23RC8175-03042009-22012024 Infection (arboreal) -/- guilt

And the 3 was removed to obfuscate the case numbering format. Because the stuff that was "wrong" is fairly obvious to find if that's all that was wrong with it but removing a digit from the CAT# is basically impossible to show unless you know for sure what's meant to be there. It's the sort of mistake that hides really well in ignorance, which makes it a great data point to screw with because of how it breaks ideas.

[thecarnivorousmuffinmeta]

What if Edward met Nahuel during the time in New Moon he travelled to South America? ( i.e Edward finds out about hybrids)

1)How would this change his relationship with Bella? Would he consider himself a worse monster?

2)Would Edward tell the rest of the Cullens and Bella about this new discovery? What about the Denalis? (Aro finds out by touching Edward's hand in Voltera. )

3)Would Edward have sex with Bella in their honeymoon?

How Would this Change His Relationship with Bella?

Yup, he'd think he's even worse.

Even his carnal desires, which he'd thought were that of a normal man's and not corrupted by vampirism (which only wanted the blood) were a vestige of his humanity but it turns out that no, that's the demon too, and it wants to procreate.

Everything Edward feels for Bella is the product of a demon and he can only cling to his platonic love for her, because that, surely, that is real and a product of who he really is.

Would Edward Tell Anyone?

The Cullens, yes, more specifically Carlisle. Carlisle's the oldest, Edward respects him the most, and he has medical opinions to say whether or not this is even possible. A few experiments later and Carlisle can feel very weird and say "yes, actually, it is" as he can observe swimmers in a microscope and realize what he'd never ever considered.

Bella, no.

He (rightly) would fear she'd want a child with him, that she'd think children are an option, when Nahuel's mother had a gruesome pregnancy which ended with her being eaten alive by her child. Nahuel was alright enough, for a vampire, but Edward would be condemning Bella to the worst death imaginable and she's so self-sacrificing that she'd probably do it so that Esme and Rosalie could have a niece/nephew and Edward could have a child. (He is absolutely correct about this).

Edward keeps it to himself and simply tells her that sex isn't possible/advisable and that she can't have children as a vampire and they can't adopt either.

He also probably wouldn't tell the Denali as Carlisle would advise against it and Edward knows it'd bring up painful memories because of Sasha. It's not much use knowing that Sasha could have made a baby in a different manner if she'd turned a male vampire to do it for her.

As you mention, Aro does find out, but I imagine Aro sends out Demetri to find Nahuel, get the scoop, and they quietly put an end to Joham and probably take in the scattered sisters and kill those who are uncooperative so as to keep this hush hush. This isn't something they really want people knowing.

Would Edward Have Sex with Bella on the Honeymoon

I imagine experiments occur with condoms to see if they're a viable solution: will they stop Edward's vampire sperm. Even then, though, there's always a risk even in human intercourse (the condom could tear/have holes in it) and Edward wouldn't want to explain why he's using one when he's supposed to be a virgin, vampires aren't supposed to have STDs, and he's not supposed to be able to have children.

Even if he secretly got Bella on birth control or convinced her into it, that might not work either, as those are methods to contend with human sperm and there's no guarantee this stuff works exactly the same way as Nahuel was not a product of solely human sperm.

Edward doesn't take the risk.

However, I imagine he doesn't tell Bella up until they're on Isle Esme as he still wants a honeymoon, he wants the wedding, he wants everything and even to make love to her: he just can't.

The honeymoon ends early in disaster, Bella is humiliated and devastated Edward did this to her and doesn't trust her or himself, and I imagine there's long phone calls to Alice where she asks if this is really going to work or not. She probably ends up getting turned by Carlisle and Bella and Edward's relationship never recovers.

[alicentalicent]

House of the Dragon 2nd rewatch - 1x10 The Black Queen

sooo funny that in the recap before episode 1x10, they put the scene of rhaenyra ripping the book page and giving it to alicent. it was like "okay for the casual viewers, please remember the page, it is suddenly gonna become Very Important".

lucerys really getting the "this character is going to die very soon so let's give him screentime and tender moments" GoT treatment in this episode lmao.

If you think about it, the Dragonstone bridge is kind of The Otto/Daemon place.

It’s so funny that Orwyle went with Otto all the way to Dragonstone to deliver the terms to Rhaenyra so he could, what, tuck the little homosexual book page in his sleeve? Otto like, I need the assistance of the Grand Maester so the page is more legitimate?? Lmaoo.

Otto: Queen Alicent eagerly awaits your answer. / Daemon: She can have her answer now, stuffed in her father’s mouth along with his withered cock. / Rhaenyra: *shedding one lonely tear* ……she kept the page all this time.

Daemon there wasn’t really any need for you to talk about Otto’s cock while threatening to kill him……

When Rhaenys says “The Stranger casts a long shadow over this family”…. No one has ever been more correct.

Corlys: our pursuit for the Iron Throne is at an end / Rhaenys: ofc you had to wait until both our children and your brother were death to decide that.

Oh my god I just realized Jace was the one that had the idea of delivering the messages to the Starks, Baratheon and Arryn by dragon….. he must be slowly burning with the guilt of Luke’s death even if it wasn’t his fault.

Rhaenyra’s hair in 1x10 looks super nice I wish she had that same wig in 1x07.

If I were Lucerys, the moment I saw Vhagar I would’ve gotten back on my dragon and flew back home are you kidding me???

Aemond playing around with Vhagar like she’s a water gun and not the oldest living dragon.

No but Rhaenyra crying in front of Otto out of all people because Alicent kept the page for 20 years….very powerful stuff.

[a0random0gal]

If you had the chance to change something about the dance of the dragons (TV show or book), what would it be? For example, how a character dies, which team a house is on,or an entire character personally. How would you change it to make the story better, in your opinion?♥️🖤💙💚

Ohh anon i've got a list.

When it comes to the tv show there are a few choices the writers made that just don't sit right with me.

Laenor

I do like the characterization they went for, he's a pretty cool dude who really loves his weird, dysfunctional family. What I really don't like is how they handled his death.

See I truly can't stand it when a character is sugar coated just because they're the protagonist and thus must be righteous and always objectively correct.

So to witness the writers white wash his murder, having him flee to essos instead of being killed by Rhaenyra pisses me off. I get that after showing them being good friends it would be very odd to have her kill him.

But that's the thing, they should have opted for a more ruthless Rhaenyra in the first place!

Laenor's death in the books (at least for me) was the first instance of Rhae Rhae making morally wrong choices in order to pursue her ultimate goal. It was compelling! Here she just takes the easy way out, without having to make a tough choice.

Also his survival really fucks her up when you really think about it. Now all her sons are bastards since her marriage to Daemon isn't valid, and for the upcoming season 2, how are they going to handle Addam and Seasmoke? Laenor is still alive, his dragon won't accept a new rider. This doesn't make any sense and just causes plotholes what the actual fu-

Sidenote: After Laenor's very moving speech on how he was done goofing off and was now willing to really step up for Rhaenyra and their family it's super strange to imagine him ditching them all immediately afterwards Lol.

Rhaenys

My gosh, where do I even begin with this woman?

She too is pretty cool at the start, but then episode 9 rolls around and I roll my eyes.

She's so hypocritical. She tries to shit on Alicent for "toiling in the service of men." When that's all she does in the goddamn story!

She wants Baela to get Driftmark, tells Corlys about it, he shuts off the whole plan cause he wants a kid who he's not even related to on the driftwood throne, and when she complains about it he dismisses her.

So what does feminist Rhaenys do about it?

She... submits to her husband, something she conveniently forgets about when talking to Alicent. My god. Just remove this entire exchange, it hurts to watch.

And the coronation scene, Jesus Christ! It was so cool in the books, why did they have to ruin it? Had they replaced it with something better I wouldn't have complained, but this is just, the worst.

Rhaenys shows how badass she is by.... Brutally crushing hundreds of small folks to death and almost slaughtering the greens.

Cool, cool, absolutely necessary. Thanks Sara.

And you know what's even more infuriating? When she flees to Dragonstone to inform Rhaenyra of all that happened. She says she didn't kill the greens cause she didn't wish to start a war. I'm sorry what?

That would have ended the war at the start! As glad as I am that Rhaenys didn't barbecue them it makes absolutely no sense!

If she had killed them there would have been no dance in the first place!

I hate these dumb show only moments. They needlessly complicated an already complicated story and just mess everything up.

There's probably other stuff I could rant on, like how Aegon was made a rapist sorely to make the audience think:

Oh look! The greens are so baad, they believe a rapist alcoholic douche should be in charge instead of our empowered dragon queen, they sure do suck!

Or how house Velaryon was disrespected and mistreated by D*emyra but still somehow decided to support Nyra's claim.

They didn't really have a motive to be greens though, so I think they should have stayed neutral. Their fervent black support makes no sense.

The writers really should have given them more reasons to back up the blacks or had their beloved queen treat them better so that their loyalty made more sense ( I mean holy hell I wonder how they will handle the two betrayers and Corlys's arrest lmao).

But other greens have already shat on these awful decisions and I won't beat a dead horse.

Book

When it comes to fire and blood I surprisingly have very little complaints, except of course, the Jaehaera situation.

My poor baby deserved better, I've made a post about it in the past

(where I ranted and said stuff I kind of regret now, don't post while very angry guys I don't recommend it)

tackling how the little queen was unnecessarily killed off and how her death genuinely adds nothing so why was it added? God I get upset just thinking about it lol.

Some people say George did it cause he needed Aegon's kids to be born after Viserys's, and apparently he couldn't fathom a married teen not having kids until her 20s, which is veery weird.

The more plausible theory is that he got rid of her cause he wanted more Velaryon queens to showcase how close they used to be to the Targs.

Which is something I had understood already thanks to Alyssa, the sea Snake and all the Velaryons who were masters of ships but whatever.

[themrswallace]

(On my shit again, already on my second watching of VMF today...immediately after finishing the first) --- "So this is what's become of grocery shopping, has it?" 'Rather than stay in the confines of his workshop, Wallace has decided to venture into town for a spot of supply gathering. Similar to forgetting what it was like to use a manual teapot, he's now having to get up to speed with the steady gentrification of West Wallaby town centre. Large store chains are replacing the local family-owned markets as stalls themselves become a weekly occurrence in the form of pop-up vendors and overpriced knick-knacks. Anything homegrown is either classed as organic or unfit to sell without proper licensing, life as he knows it is changing, and Wallace is still accepting the grim reality of capitalism' "Duddly and Sons got bought out last year, Sparks & Mencer took over the space soon as they received the go ahead. Same thing's happened to everybody except Wendolene, Harrison and Alice, but even she's on the way out the way they're pushing things" "It's criminal! Someone ought to stand up for the non-commercial! They're going to ruin West Wallaby at this rate! You mark my words!" "Marked and accounted for, Mr Wallace! Now can we focus on this list? It is my turn to shop for us this week and if I forget Gromit's hummas again, he is certain to poison my granola" 'Journeying through the denser populated parts of the town, the inventor is surprised to see how many of his local haunts have either closed down to await renovation for new rental agreements or already found themselves replaced by pop up venues, organic coffee suppliers, vegetable juicers, fruit smoothie cafes, reasons to print money and introduce a younger, boho type to the area. Soon enough the two have mainly what they've come for, and are preparing to grab the last few items when a casually dressed, heavily pierced woman somewhere around DL's age appears and walks straight up to them, almost excited to see the pair as she clomps over in her platform sandals' "Aye-Up, Rooster! Been looking for you. Guess what" 'Wallace recognises this girl, she used to be strawberry blonde, long hair always platted, fair skinned with freckles all over her plump face and braces to correct the slight overbite in her jaw. Now she's about three dress sizes smaller then she used to be, wearing oversized shirts, ripped jeans, several types of metal adorning her features and hair a sickly chemical green. This used to be Franny Cromwell' "Hmmmm, I dunno...You finally got promoted to head piercer" "That too, BUT! ...check out my arm" 'She rubs her left forearm until it reddens, highlighting a glittery shine to her numourous tattoos' "No...YOU GOT THE EVER SPARKLE INK! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THAT FOR MONTHS!" "It just came in...I can book you for thursday. What do you say?" "Oooooohh, Baby! I'd love to!" 'Wallace clears his throat, pursing his lips in a disapproving display' "Got a cough there, Grandpa? As I was saying, Love to...But I have a thing thursday. How about we arrange something for later on in the month. Just got some stuff going on and I can't be all wrapped up" "Of course, just gimme a call when you're ready to be booked in" 'For a minute it seems like the conversation is about to end there, yet Franny stays in her spot, rocking as if she's in on someone's dirty little secret' "Soooo?" "So?" "Who is she?" "...I'm sorry what?" (PART 2 ON THE WAYYYYY)